Monday, 7 October 2013

Mamak - Chinatown - Sydney, Australia

Mamak

Without fail, there is a queue here every night and it is long, very long. This was the case the last two times I was here and this time was no exception. We waited at least half an hour to an hour for a table. Previously, I found the food average and couldn't grasp what was great about it. I think the long waiting time and exhaustion from the days activities must have affected my taste buds during the last two visits.

This time was it was different.

This is one of the most talked about places in Sydney and the blog reviews are aplenty. It goes to show how popular it is and for that reason the food should be good right?

Mamak, are well known for their authentic Malaysian fare at reasonable prices. We choose to go to the Chinatown restaurant as it's the most convenient. If you walk past the Chinatown restaurant, you can see them make fresh roti and it sure looks mesmerising. They also have a branch in Chatswood and a store in the Chinatown Friday markets, where you can watch them make fresh roti.

We started with two savoury roti's, the 'Roti Canai'($5.50)' and the 'Roti Planta ($5.50)'. The difference between the two is one is the original version whereas the other is a buttery roti. These are served with two spicy curry dipping sauces and a sambal sauce. Fresh roti is my absolute favourite and the buttery roti was to die for, both light and fluffy. You could see the melted butter leaking out from the flour. So unhealthy but oh so good. I much preferred the lighter dhal curry over the darker, tomato based fish curry as it was more subtle in taste.

A 'Dozen of Chicken Satay Sticks ($12.00)' was one word, yum. Marinated chicken grilled over charcoal to give it that char flavour. That accompanying peanut sauce which had hints of sweet and spicy went well with the satay sticks.

'Ayam Goreng ($14.00 for 4 + $4.00 for each additional piece). Finger licking good. 5 pieces of huge thigh pieces coated in their secret herbs and spices and then fried to a golden brown. Well, more than a golden brown cause of the spices they used to give it a orange colour. One bite into that crunchy batter and BAM! That burst of flavour from the spices and juices from the meat made it taste exceptional. Crunch, crunch, crunch...

The preceding two are usually my two favourite dishes.

This isn't the popular instant noodle but the real 'Mee Goreng ($12.00)'. It is a stir-fried noodle dish made of Hokkein noodles, fish cake slices, eggs, prawns and bean sprouts. It's a bit spicy for some but tolerable.

'Nasi Goreng ($12.00)' is a Malaysian style fried rice with sambal, prawns, eggs and an assortment of vegetables. Good flavour combination and a popular dish amongst the table.

We couldn't leave here without having dessert could we? There is always room for dessert amongst this group and we decide to get two to share.

The 'Roti Kaya ($8.00)' is a flat roti filled with kaya, which is made from pandan and coconut. This is served with vanilla ice-cream. I like anything with kaya and this was yummy. A bit on the sweet side but nicely balanced out with the ice-cream.

Remember this name, the 'Roti Tisu ($10.00)' as it can be life changing. My favourite dessert of the night. Having resemblance to a party hat, this paper-thin and extra crispy roti is coated with sugar and highly addictive. Some prefer it with condensed milk while others with ice-cream. I prefer mine with the latter.

'Teh O Ais Limau ($4.00)' is an iced tea with a hint of lime. Accidentally ordered this when I should have ordered the 'Limau Ais ($4.00) which is a lime drink but enjoyed it regardless.

I didn't think I would say this but the food at Mamak was great. I loved every dish and so did the others. A restaurant that makes good food and is friendly on the wallet. If you're prepared to queue, then go for it!